Right-of-Way and Intersections
Who Goes First
Right-of-way is not something you take; it is something you yield. The core rules: at an uncontrolled intersection, the first vehicle to arrive goes first, and if two arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right. A vehicle turning left across oncoming traffic yields to that traffic and to pedestrians. When entering a roadway from a driveway, alley, or parking lot, you yield to all traffic already on the road. When two vehicles face each other and one turns left while the other goes straight or right, the left-turner yields.
Four-Way Stops
At a four-way stop, arrive, stop completely, then proceed in order of arrival. If two arrive simultaneously and are side by side, the right-hand vehicle goes first. If you arrive at the same time as a vehicle turning left across your path, you go first. Never wave another driver through - it invites confusion and collisions; follow the established order.
Intersections with Signals
A green light does not grant absolute right-of-way. You must still yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and to vehicles already lawfully inside the intersection. When turning left on a green (unprotected), wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic. Roundabouts: yield to traffic already circulating to your left, then enter.
Traps to Watch
Questions test the left-turn versus right-turn tie, the driveway-entering-roadway yield, and the simultaneous-arrival rule. A frequent trap is assuming a driver with a green light may turn left freely - they must still yield. Another is assuming the driver on the right always goes first; that only applies to simultaneous arrival.
Rule of Thumb
At an unmarked meeting: first there, first through; if tied, the left yields to the right.